Chevrolet Equinox vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox underwent a significant redesign, adopting a modern aesthetic that aligned it more closely with larger Chevrolet models like the Traverse and Suburban. The new design featured a flat roof, upright grille, and distinctive "shark fin" C-pillar, giving it a more robust appearance compared to its predecessors. Each trim level offered unique styling elements, with the base LT trim available in chrome or a sleek Midnight Edition High Gloss Black treatment. The RS trim, known for its sportier look, included black mirrors, badges, and larger grille openings, while the ACTIV trim introduced dark chrome accents and all-terrain tires, emphasizing its adventurous spirit. The interior of the Equinox also saw significant updates, with a focus on texture and space. The shifter was moved to the steering column, opening up the center console, and the new infotainment screen was integrated with the driver-information display. The RS and ACTIV trims featured distinct interior themes, with the ACTIV offering a "Maple Sugar and Black" theme that lightened the cabin, while the RS trim incorporated red highlights and contrast stitching for a sporty effect.

In contrast, the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look with slight styling changes, presenting a more conventional front end for an EV. The Bolt's design straddled the line between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV, offering a single body style for 2027. The interior received a more dramatic makeover, featuring a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The push-button gear selector was moved to the steering column, freeing up storage space in the center console. Despite the hard plastic surfaces dominating the cabin, the Bolt maintained a budget-friendly feel with padded elbow touchpoints. The RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching, while the rear seating area lacked padding for the door armrests. Overall, the Bolt's design prioritized utility and interior space over a sporty stance, with a focus on practicality and functionality.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower. Torque varied depending on the powertrain, with front-wheel-drive models offering 184 lb-ft and all-wheel-drive models providing 203 lb-ft. The Equinox featured different transmissions, with FWD models equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and AWD versions using an eight-speed automatic. The eight-speed automatic was noted for its quick gear changes and reduced noise compared to the previous six-speed. The Equinox offered a responsive accelerator at low speeds, though highway merging highlighted the engine's limitations. The AWD version could tow up to 1,500 pounds, and selectable drive modes were introduced, allowing drivers to switch between Normal, Snow, and Off-Road modes.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and reliance on rare earth minerals. The Bolt's motor, sourced from the Equinox EV, delivered 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, achieving 0-60 mph in the low seven-second range. The Bolt's acceleration was quick compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs, with immediate pedal response. One-pedal driving was available, with medium or high levels of brake regeneration. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, and the Bolt's low center of gravity contributed to its agility on curvy roads. The 2027 Bolt offered an EPA-estimated range of 262 miles on a full charge, with a Tesla-derived NACS charge port standard on all models. Charging speed increased to 150 kW, allowing for a quick recharge from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard on the RS and ACTIV trims. A $950 package added front seat ventilation, heated rear seats, and driver's seat memory. The Equinox's flat roof provided consistent headroom, with 38.2 inches in the front seats with the moonroof and 37.8 inches in the back. The moonroof extended into the rear seats, adding light for passengers. The Equinox's cargo space was slightly reduced, offering 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with them folded down. A hidden storage compartment was available beneath the cargo area's load floor.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants. Taller drivers might have wished for more telescoping extension from the steering wheel. The rear seats offered plenty of headroom and adequate thigh support, with a flat floor reducing the penalty for center-seat passengers. The Bolt's cargo capacity was 16.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, with a large bin underneath the floor for additional storage. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, and the release latches were easily accessible from the cargo area. The Bolt lacked a frunk but provided ample storage for personal items up front, including a large bin with movable dividers, a big floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Google Built-In, offering wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The native Google Maps integration projected onto the driver information display, allowing for simultaneous infotainment activity. The Equinox's tech features were mostly standard, including an 11.3-inch infotainment system touchscreen, wi-fi hotspot capability, and a six-speaker audio system. Wireless charging was standard for RS and ACTIV trims and available on LT.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured an 11-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.3-inch center touchscreen, running on a Google-based operating system. Apple CarPlay and standalone Android Auto were not supported, requiring Bluetooth pairing for personal music libraries. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, and a wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses. The Bolt's navigation system helped drivers find charging stations and preconditioned the battery for optimal charging rates. The Bolt also offered vehicle-to-load charging, serving as a backup power source for a home.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered an available Safety & Technology package for $1,085, adding rear pedestrian alert, HD surround vision, traffic-sign recognition, and a camera rearview mirror. The Chevy Safety Assist suite included standard features like rear park assist, lane-change alert with side blind-zone alert, enhanced automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning. Teen Driver Technology allowed parents to program a key to enforce speed and volume limitations and provide a "report card" of driving behavior.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were not yet available, but it was expected to achieve high scores based on its platform. Standard safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitors with active steering assist, and a safety alert seat. The optional Technology package added a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, and traffic-sign recognition. GM's Super Cruise hands-free automated highway driving system was available for an additional $3,255.